Welcome to Year 1

Meet the Staff: 

Class Teacher: Lashanda Noel

Teaching Assistant: Amanda Butcher

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Click here to read the Class Newsletter - TERM 1

Year 1 Learning Overview – Term 6

Core Text: Bog Baby by Jeanne Willis and Gwen Millward

In Term 6, Year 1 pupils will explore the magical story of Bog Baby. This beautiful text will support children in thinking about kindness, responsibility, caring for living things and making thoughtful choices. Across the term, pupils will continue to build confidence in reading, writing, maths and wider curriculum learning as they prepare for Year 2.

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English – Bog Baby

This term, Year 1 will use Bog Baby as their main text. Pupils will explore the characters, setting and events in the story, thinking carefully about how the Bog Baby is found, cared for and eventually set free.

Children will:

• listen to and discuss the story of Bog Baby;

• describe the Bog Baby using carefully chosen adjectives;

• write character descriptions;

• sequence and retell the main events of the story;

• use story language to support oral and written retelling;

• write simple sentences with capital letters, finger spaces and full stops;

• begin to extend sentences using conjunctions such as “and” and “because”;

• reread their writing to check that it makes sense.

Pupils will also continue to develop their spoken language by sharing ideas, asking questions and explaining their thoughts about the story.

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Phonics – Phase Five

In Phonics, pupils will consolidate Phase Five parts 1 and 2 before moving on to Phase Five part 3. They will continue to practise reading and spelling words with alternative graphemes and pronunciations.

Children will learn and revisit sounds including:

eigh, aigh, ey, ea, kn, gn, mb, ere, eer, su, si, dge, y, ge, ti, ssi, si, ci, augh, our, oar and ore.

Children will:

• read words containing new and familiar graphemes;

• practise blending sounds to read unfamiliar words;

• segment words carefully for spelling;

• read and write tricky words;

• apply phonics knowledge in sentences;

• develop fluency, accuracy and confidence when reading.

This learning will help pupils become more confident and independent readers and writers.

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Maths – Money, Capacity and Mass

In Maths, pupils will focus on money, capacity and mass, using practical resources to support understanding.

Children will:

• recognise coins and notes;

• compare amounts of money;

• begin to make simple totals using coins;

• use vocabulary linked to money, including pounds and pence;

• compare capacity using words such as full, empty, half full, more and less;

• measure and compare mass using practical objects;

• use vocabulary such as heavier and lighter;

• solve simple practical problems using measures.

This unit will help pupils develop confidence with real-life mathematical skills.

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Science – Materials and Seasons

In Science, Year 1 will learn about materials and continue their year-long study of seasons.

Children will:

• name and identify common materials, such as wood, plastic, metal, glass, fabric and paper;

• describe the properties of materials using vocabulary such as hard, soft, smooth, rough, bendy and waterproof;

• compare and group materials based on their properties;

• investigate which materials are suitable for different purposes;

• observe changes linked to the seasons;

• describe weather patterns and seasonal changes;

• notice changes in plants, animals and daylight across the year.

This learning will encourage pupils to observe carefully, ask questions and use scientific vocabulary.

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History – Changes in Living Memory

In History, pupils will learn about changes in living memory. They will think about how everyday life has changed over time and compare the past with the present.

Children will:

• explore how toys, homes, schools, clothes or technology have changed;

• use photographs, objects and stories to find out about the past;

• ask questions about what life was like before they were born;

• compare similarities and differences between then and now;

• use words linked to time, such as past, present, old, new, before and after.

This unit will help pupils understand that history is about real people, memories and changes over time.

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Religious Education – Islam: Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him

In RE, pupils will learn about Islam, with a focus on Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. Children will explore why he is important to Muslims and what stories about his life can teach us.

Children will:

• learn that Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, is an important figure in Islam;

• listen to stories that show kindness, honesty and care;

• think about how people show respect for important religious figures;

• discuss values such as compassion, truthfulness and responsibility;

• learn that different people have different beliefs and traditions;

• develop respectful language when talking about faith.

This unit will support pupils in developing understanding, respect and curiosity about the beliefs of others.

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Art – Colour and Bog Baby

In Art, pupils will explore colour through work inspired by Bog Baby. They will look carefully at the illustrations and use colour to create their own artwork.

Children will:

• explore primary and secondary colours;

• practise mixing colours;

• use colour to show mood, character and setting;

• look carefully at images from Bog Baby;

• create their own coloured artwork of the Bog Baby;

• develop control when using pencils, paints or other art materials;

• talk about their artwork and the choices they made.

This unit will help pupils develop creativity, observation and confidence when using colour.

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Computing – Internet Explorers and Digital Art

In Computing, pupils will become internet explorers. They will learn how to use technology safely and purposefully to find information and create digital artwork.

Children will:

• learn what a search engine is;

• practise using a search engine with adult support;

• navigate a website safely;

• find simple information online;

• discuss how to stay safe when using the internet;

• create digital art using simple tools;

• experiment with colour, shape and line;

• save and share their digital creations.

This unit will help pupils understand how technology can be used for learning and creativity.

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Music – African Songs

In Music, pupils will explore African songs, rhythm and performance. They will listen, respond and perform using their voices and simple percussion.

Children will:

• listen to a range of African songs;

• explore rhythm, pulse and repetition;

• sing simple songs as part of a group;

• use call and response patterns;

• play simple percussion instruments;

• move in time to music;

• perform with confidence and enjoyment.

This unit will support pupils’ listening skills, rhythm and confidence in musical performance.

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PSHE – Changing Me

In PSHE, pupils will focus on the theme of Changing Me. They will think about how they have grown and changed, and how they can manage feelings linked to change.

Children will:

• talk about how they have changed since they were babies;

• recognise things they can do now that they could not do before;

• discuss feelings linked to change;

• think about moving into Year 2;

• celebrate their achievements;

• learn how to ask for help if they feel worried.

This unit will help pupils build confidence, self-awareness and resilience.

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PE – Athletics

In PE, pupils will develop their athletics skills through running, jumping and throwing activities.

Children will:

• practise running at different speeds;

• develop jumping and landing skills;

• practise throwing for distance and accuracy;

• improve balance, coordination and control;

• take part in simple challenges and games;

• follow instructions and rules safely;

• show effort, teamwork and fairness.

Pupils will be encouraged to enjoy being active and celebrate their progress.

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Preparing for Year 2

Throughout Term 6, Year 1 pupils will continue to develop the independence, confidence and learning behaviours needed for Year 2. They will be encouraged to listen carefully, share their ideas, take pride in their work and try their best.

Across the term, we will continue to focus on:

• independence in learning;

• careful listening;

• speaking in full sentences;

• resilience when things feel tricky;

• kindness and responsibility;

• careful presentation;

• readiness for Year 2.

We look forward to a joyful, creative and successful final term in Year 1.